160 



THE SUGAR INDUSTRY. 



to double its capacity before the next crop is harvested. There is one encouraging 

 feature regarding the production of beet sugar in this state, and that is, the unusually 

 high quality of the beets. This year the early varieties of beets planted under favor- 

 able conditions were ready for the factory about August 25, which made a working 

 season of over three months. The station has been making numerous analyses of 

 limestone from different parts of the state with the view of locating the high grade 

 stone most suitable for refining beet sugar. There is an abundance of lime in the state, and 

 so far five localities have been found where high grade limestone may be obtained suit- 

 able for beet sugar purposes." 



THE MINNESOTA SUGAR COMPANY. 

 Beet sheds and flume in foreground, factory proper in background. 



The mill at St. Louis Park closed its first campaign December 10, 1898. Many 

 farmers failed to live up to their contracts, and only 12,000 tons of beets were received 

 from about 1200 acres, while 2200 acres were contracted. However, farmers are eager 

 to enlarge their area for '99: many who never raised beets want to contract, and their 

 encouragement has decided the company to double its factory, and to contract for 5000 

 acres for '99, in hopes of starting up in October and running to the middle of January. 

 Factory furnishes seed at 15c per Ib, and leases implements for culture at 25c per aero 

 for each machine. It offers $3 per ton for beets containing 10 per cent, sugar, of at least 

 78 purity (nothing inferior to this standard accepted), $3.50 for 11-78, and $4 for 12 

 to 14 per cent, and 78 purity, and 25c for each additional 1 per cent of sugar above 14. 

 As the average for 1898 was 14% per cent., many going up to 16 or 17 per cent., it is hoped 



